Card game

ABSTRACT

Card games include a card with a face having multiple areas identifying characteristics of a character. The card games further include a concealing surface hiding at least one of the multiple areas, wherein one of the characteristics can be assigned to the character by manipulating a portion of the concealing surface. Methods of playing a card game also include the step of manipulating a portion of a concealing surface to assign a characteristic to a character.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention is directed toward a card game, and moreparticularly to a card game having a concealing surface that may beprovided for amusement, entertainment and/or collection purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Card games provided for amusement, entertainment, and/orcollection purposes are widely known. A wide variety of these gamesrequire cards having one or more aspects hidden from the player by ascratch-off portion. When using the card, the player can selectivelyremove an amount of the scratch-off portion to reveal a hidden surface.Such games typically involve answering a question by removing an amountof the scratch-off portion associated with the selected answer orattempting to win a prize by randomly removing an amount of thescratch-off portion associated with a hidden surface in an attempt towin the prize that might be displayed on the hidden surface.

[0003] There is a need for cards having a concealing surface wherein theplayer may assign a character, character attribute, attribute featureand/or other characteristics by manipulating the concealing surface.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to obviateproblems and shortcomings of conventional game cards. More particularly,it is an object of the present invention to provide cards that permit aplayer to assign characteristics to a character by manipulating aportion of a concealing surface.

[0005] It is another object of the present invention to provide cardsthat have characteristics that are not immediately apparent to theplayer, wherein the player may manipulate a portion of the concealingsurface to assign characteristics to a character before or during theprocess of playing the game.

[0006] To achieve the foregoing and other objects in accordance with thepresent invention, exemplary card games are provided. The card gamesinclude a card with a face having multiple areas identifyingcharacteristics of a character. The card games further include aconcealing surface hiding a surface of at least one of the multipleareas, wherein one of the characteristics can be assigned to thecharacter by manipulating a portion of the concealing surface.

[0007] To achieve still further objects and in according with additionalexemplary embodiments of the present invention, methods of playing acard game are provided. The methods include the steps of providing acard including a face, multiple areas on the face, and a plurality ofcharacteristics in association with at least one of the multiple areas.The methods further include the step of manipulating a portion of aconcealing surface to assign at least one of the characteristics to thecharacter.

[0008] Still other embodiments, combinations, advantages and objects ofthe present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the artfrom the following description wherein there are shown and describedalternate exemplary embodiments of this invention for illustrationpurposes. As will be realized, the invention is capable of otherdifferent, obvious aspects, objects and embodiments, all withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the drawings,objects, and descriptions should be regarded as illustrative andexemplary in nature only, and not as restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] While the specification concludes with claims particularlypointing out and distinctly claiming the present invention, it isbelieved the same will be better understood from the followingdescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings inwhich:

[0010]FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a first exemplary embodiment of acard game in accordance with the present invention;

[0011]FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a second exemplary embodiment of acard game in accordance with the present invention;

[0012]FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a third exemplary embodiment of acard game in accordance with the present invention; and

[0013]FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a fourth exemplary embodiment of acard game in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Turning now to the drawings in detail, wherein like numbersindicate the same or corresponding elements throughout the views, FIG. 1illustrates a first exemplary embodiment of a card 10 of a card game inaccordance with the present invention. The card 10 can have multipleareas associated with the face of each card 10. The cards usedthroughout the present invention can comprise a thin sheet, such as acomposite, laminate, or the like including a wide range of materialsthat provide the card with sufficient structural integrity. In exemplaryembodiments, the card can comprise cardboard, plastic, metal and/orcomposites or the like.

[0015] As depicted in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, the card 10can include an upper face 12 including a first area 14, a second area16, and a third area 18. The areas may describe the character byrepresenting the type of character, attribute(s), feature(s), and/orother characteristics. FIG. 1 depicts exemplary embodiments wherein thefirst area 14 displays a given character 20, the second area 16 displaysone or more given character attributes 22, and the third area 18 candisplay one or more hidden attribute features 24. As illustrated in FIG.1, at least one of the attribute features 24 are hidden underneath aconcealing surface 26. For clarity, portions of the concealing surfacehave been manipulated to reveal hidden surfaces 28 that display thevarious attribute features 24 (each represented by the letter “F”).

[0016] While three areas 14, 16, 18 are illustrated with respect to FIG.1, a single area or any number of multiple areas may be used inaccordance with the present invention. In addition, while the exemplaryembodiment of FIG. 1 permits the third area 18 to assign features 24 tothe attributes 22, the areas can also be arranged to directly describethe first area 14, each other, or other areas if provided. Moreover, ifmultiple areas are provided, they may be located in a wide variety ofpositions relative to one another.

[0017] As described with reference to FIG. 1 above, the first area 14can be provided to display a given character 20 and therefore maycommunicate the type of character associated with the card 10. Thecharacter could be an individual, for example, with any of theembodiments described throughout this application in accordance with thepresent invention, each character can comprise a verbal character, anillustrated character or a combination of verbal and illustratedcharacters. A verbal character may simply comprise a written descriptionof the character with one or more descriptive words. An illustratedcharacter may be created from a photograph or drawing representation ofone or more naturally occurring persons, places or things, or could be amodified photograph or drawing representation of one or more naturallyoccurring persons, places or things. In one example, the illustratedcharacter could be a compilation of a variety of parts, naturallyexisting in a segregated sense, and then later compiled to a fictionalillustrated character. In still further examples, the illustratedcharacter could be partially or entirely computer or graphicallygenerated. Exemplary characters can represent one or more non-fictionalpersons, places or things or could depict one or more partial orentirely fictional persons, places or things. Thus, the character cancomprise a group of people or combinations of people, places and things,such as a company, regiment, military unit, or other grouping.Characters may also comprise an object, such as a weapon (e.g., sword),shield, vehicle (e.g., tank), or the like. It will also be appreciatedthat characters can comprise a grouping of one or more types of objects.

[0018] One or more given attributes 22 can be listed in the second area16 to describe the given character 20 displayed in the first area 14.Depending on the type of character, exemplary attributes in each of theembodiments described throughout this application can include, but arenot limited to, speed, strength, height, weight, magic, spells,fighting, dexterity, constitution, health, weapons, wisdom, charisma,armor, defense, attack, damage, experience, special abilities, wealth,languages, mobility, or the like.

[0019] The third area 18 provides hidden features 24 relating to thecorresponding given attributes 22. Although not shown, a single hiddensurface can be associated with each attribute wherein only a singlepossible hidden feature can be assigned with each attribute. In theseembodiments, the feature is predetermined and later revealed after theplayer manipulates the corresponding concealing surface. Alternatively,as shown in FIG. 1, exemplary cards 10 can include a plurality of hiddensurfaces 28 associated with each attribute 22. The hidden surfaces 28are provided with features 24 for describing each of the variousattributes 22. In one example, the features 24 are alternativemagnitudes for the attributes 22 and can be represented by a number,letter, symbol, or any other mark. In other examples, the features 24describe the type of attribute 22. For example, if the attribute is aweapon, the feature can further define the type of weapon and/orcharacteristics of the weapon.

[0020] One or more of the areas described above may be covered by aconcealing surface to hide an area of the card. For example, as shown inFIG. 1, the first area 14 and the second area 16 are free of theconcealing surface, such that the first area 14 provides a givencharacter 20 and the second area 16 provides one or more givenattributes 22 associated with the given character 20. Thus, whenpurchasing or trading an unused card 10 illustrated in FIG. 1, theplayer will already know the given character 20 and the possibleattributes 22 of the character. In contrast, the third area 18 includesa concealing surface 26 that covers and therefore hides at least asurface 28 displaying an attribute feature 24. Accordingly, certainfeatures of the attributes found on one or more of the hidden surfaces28 in the third area 18 may be assigned by the player prior to or duringgame play by manipulating the concealing surface to reveal at least aportion of one or more hidden surfaces 28. Since the concealing surfacehides at least one attribute feature, the concealing surface 26 providesthe card game with an element of unpredictability, wherein the playermay guess which hidden surface 28 will display the desired attributefeature and thereafter manipulate the corresponding concealing surface26 to assign the feature 24 to the given attribute 22.

[0021] When using the card 10 of FIG. 1, a player may trade or purchasecards to obtain a card 10 clearly displaying a given character 20 andcharacter attributes 22 associated with the character. In one particularexemplary embodiment, the given character can be an illustrated warriorwherein the first, second, third and fourth given attributes cancomprise armor, strength, magic, and speed respectively. Accordingly,the player will be aware of the general character type (e.g., a warrior)and the possible attributes of the character (e.g., armor, strength,magic, and speed) when trading or purchasing the card.

[0022] The player will also be aware that one or more hidden features 24are associated with each given attribute 22. As illustrated in FIG. 1,for example, four substantially horizontal rows are vertically offsetwherein each row is provided with a single given character attribute 22on the left side and three possible attribute features 24 on the rightside. Before or during the card game, the player may manipulate theconcealing surface 26 above at least one selected hidden surface 28 toreveal the corresponding feature 24 associated with the hidden surface,and thereby assign the particular feature 24 to the correspondingattribute 22. In one particular example, the armor attribute can beassociated with three possible features 24 describing various strengthlevels of the armor. In embodiments with more than one hidden surface28, the player may guess which hidden surface 28 has the most desirablelevel of armor and thereafter manipulate the concealing surfacecorresponding to the selected hidden surface. The requirement of theplayer to select a hidden surface adds an element of unpredictability tothe game and can give the player a sense of control by permitting theplayer to assign defined attributes to the character by guessing whichhidden surface 28 contains the most desirable attribute feature 24.

[0023] Some games may only require one of the hidden surfaces to berevealed during the course of the game. In other games, the player maybe required to select a second feature or may be given a choice whetherto keep the first attribute feature or select a second attributefeature. For example, if the player chooses (or is required) to selectanother armor level, the player may manipulate another concealingsurface 26 over another hidden surface 28. For example, the first chosenarmor level could be replaced by a second chosen armor level afterfurther manipulation of the corresponding concealing surface 26.Alternatively, the second armor level could be added to the first armorlevel such that the new armor level is the sum of the first and secondarmor levels. Accordingly, the card 10 can be used in a game that maygive the player an additional choice of whether to continue with theprevious attribute feature or to take a chance by selecting anadditional hidden feature.

[0024] In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the third area18 of the card 10 is the only area that is provided with a concealingsurface 26 to hide particular features 24 of the given characterattributes 22. In other exemplary embodiments, one or more characters,character attributes, attribute features (or other optional characterfeatures), may be hidden from the player. Thus, the concealing surfacemay hide at least one character, character attribute, or attributefeature (or other optional character feature). In other examples, theconcealing surface may initially cover all characters, characterattributes, and attribute features (and other optional characterfeatures).

[0025]FIG. 2 depicts an alternative embodiment of a card 110 inaccordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present inventionwherein an upper face 112 includes a first area 114, a second area 116and a third area 118. Each of the areas are provided with a concealingsurface 126. Accordingly, the unpredictability is maximized byconcealing all of the characteristics of the character. In alternativeembodiments, one or more of the characters, character attributes, and/orattribute features (and/or other optional character features) can beinitially revealed to provide a clue as to the potential strength and/orvalue of the card.

[0026] As further illustrated in FIG. 2, the first area 114 includes oneor more hidden characters 120 that can be displayed by a correspondingone or more hidden surfaces 130. For clarity, a portion of theconcealing surface 126 has been manipulated to reveal a hidden surface130 that displays an exemplary character 120 (represented by the letter“C”). The hidden characters 120 of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2can comprise any of the characters 20 described in relation to FIG. 1above. Moreover, while three hidden surfaces 130 are illustrated in FIG.2, any number of hidden surfaces can be provided to increase thepotential pool of characters and/or extend the life of the game cardthrough multiple uses. In one example, a single hidden surface can beprovided with a single hidden character such that the character ispredetermined and later revealed after the player manipulates thecorresponding concealing surface.

[0027] In some games, only one hidden surface 130 is revealed to assignthe particular character. In one example of the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 2, the first, second and third hidden surfaces 130 could include,respectively, a warrior, a magician, and a dragon that are covered by aconcealing surface 126. The player may then select a hidden surface 130and then reveal the hidden character 120 by manipulating the concealingsurface 126 associated with selected hidden surface.

[0028] In other games, each hidden surface 130 includes a portion of thecharacter, wherein the character is not fully developed until aplurality or all of the concealing surfaces 126 associated with thehidden surfaces 130 of the first area 114 are revealed. In still furtherembodiments, the character can grow as the game progresses or after aperiod of use. For example, the concealing surface 126 of the firsthidden surface 130 may be initially manipulated to reveal a young dragonwith limited powers. As the game progresses or as the card is used, theconcealing surface of the second hidden surface could be manipulated toreveal an adolescent dragon having additional powers. A fully developedcard could result from manipulating the final concealing surface toexpose a powerful adult dragon. In additional embodiments in accordancewith the present invention, the character could evolve as the gameprogresses. For example, the dragon could progress from a prehistoricdragon with limited powers to a futuristic dragon with enhanced powersor can transform from one character type to another.

[0029] The second area 116 can include one or more hidden attributes 122of the character 120, such as any of the attributes 22 described inrelation to FIG. 1 above. As illustrated in FIG. 2, at least one of thecharacter attributes 122 are hidden underneath a concealing surface 126.For clarity, a portion of the concealing surface 126 has beenmanipulated to reveal a hidden surface 132 that displays one of thevarious character attributes 122 (represented by the letter “A”). In oneexemplary embodiment, a single hidden attribute is provided per row suchthat the attribute is predetermined and later revealed after the playermanipulates the corresponding concealing surface. Alternatively, asillustrated in FIG. 2, the second area 116 includes a plurality ofhidden character attributes 122 per row, thereby permitting the user toselect a hidden surface and thereby assign an attribute to the characterby manipulating the corresponding concealing surface 126. The exemplaryembodiment of FIG. 2 depicts one exemplary card 110 wherein the secondarea 116 includes four horizontal, vertically spaced, rows of attributesincluding three potential attributes per row. The increased number ofattributes can extend the life of the card by providing additionalopportunities for the player to manipulate the concealing surfaces 126associated with non-selected hidden surfaces 132. In other embodiments,a player could select a single hidden surface per row to provide anelement of chance as to the specific attribute that will be assigned tothe character. For example, the first row of attributes could includevarious types of weapons (e.g., knife, sword, battle axe) wherein theultimate type of weapon is left to chance, depending on the selection ofthe player. In other examples, multiple selections can be made such thatthe attributes can be upgraded or evolve over time or during the processof playing the card game. For example, a particular type of weapon couldbe upgraded from a common sword, to a tempered sword and then to anenchanted sword.

[0030] In addition, the third area 118 includes one or more hiddenattribute features 124 associated with each attribute. For clarity, aportion of a concealing surface 126 has been manipulated to reveal ahidden surface 134 that displays an exemplary attribute feature 124(represented by the letter “F”). The hidden attribute features 124 canbe any of the hidden attribute features 24 described with respect toFIG. 1 above. As illustrated in FIG. 2, for example, a third area 118includes a plurality of hidden surfaces 134 for displaying a pluralityof attribute features 124. As further illustrated in FIG. 2, the thirdarea 118 includes a plurality of hidden attribute features 124 per row.In the illustrated example, three attribute features are provided ineach of four horizontal rows that are vertically spaced from oneanother. Each of the four rows of attribute features can be aligned witha corresponding row of character attributes to provide four distinctgroupings of character attributes with its corresponding attributefeatures. The number of rows illustrated is exemplary in nature. Inalternative embodiments, a single row or any plurality of rows can beprovided.

[0031] The features can be designed to assign a variety ofcharacteristics to the attributes. In one example, the attributefeatures could comprise a magnitude of the corresponding selectedattribute. For example, if a tempered sword was selected in the firstrow, the player could manipulate the concealing surface 126 covering aselected hidden surface 134 to reveal the strength level of the sword.The game can also be designed such that only one hidden surface isrevealed per row, wherein the level of the sword would be fixed. Inother examples, another concealing surface could be manipulated toreveal a second level that would replace the first level. In stillfurther embodiments, the new strength level of the sword could be thesum of the first and second strength levels.

[0032] When using the exemplary card 110 illustrated in FIG. 2, a playermay trade or purchase the card 110 without knowing any characteristicsof the character. When playing or prior to playing, one of the threehidden surfaces 130 of the first area 114 can be manipulated by theplayer to reveal a character 120 hidden underneath, thereby at leastpartially defining the character for a game segment or for the durationof the game. The player may then manipulate a concealing surface 126over a selected one of the hidden surfaces 132 in the one or more rowsof attributes to assign one or more character attributes 122 to thecharacter 120. Next, the player may manipulate the concealing surface126 above a selected one of the hidden surfaces 134 associated with atleast one of the revealed character attributes to assign an attributefeature 124 to the revealed character attribute 122.

[0033]FIG. 3 depicts yet another exemplary card 210 similar to the card10 described with respect to FIG. 1 above and can be consideredidentical to the card 10 unless otherwise noted. Indeed the card 210includes an upper face 12 including a first area 14 displaying one ormore given characters 20, a second area 16 displaying one or more givencharacter attributes 22 and a third area 18 that can display one or morehidden attribute features 24 in response to player manipulation of acorresponding one or more concealing surfaces 26. In addition, the card210 is provided with a fourth area 240 including a life force device242. The life force device 242 could take the form of a life forceregenerator, wherein additional life points are added to the total lifeas a reward for achieving a goal. The additional life points can helpcompensate for any injuries or other life-draining events occurringduring the course of the card game. In another example the life forcedevice 242 could simply be a life force indicator wherein the actuallife remaining is indicated after manipulating the concealing surface 26associated with the hidden life force 244. For clarity, portions of theconcealing surface 26 has been manipulated to reveal the life force 244displayed by a hidden surface 246. The life force device 242 can also beincorporated in the embodiments described with regard to FIGS. 1, 2 and4, or any other embodiment of the present invention.

[0034]FIG. 4 depicts another exemplary card 310 similar to the card 10described with respect to FIG. 1 above and can be considered identicalto the card 10 unless otherwise noted. Card 310 includes an upper face12 with a first area 14 displaying a given character 20, a second area16 displaying a given character attribute 22 and a third area 18 thatcan display one or more hidden attribute features 24 in response toplayer manipulation of a corresponding one or more concealing surfaces26. In addition, the card 310 is provided with a fourth area 340including a character attribute 342 capable of at least partialrehabilitation. The character attribute 342 can take the form of a lifeforce where the life force may be at least partially rehabilitated. Inanother example, the character attribute 342 may comprise a sword orweapon that can also be at least partially rehabilitated. In otherembodiments, one or more characteristics can be provided in any of theembodiments described throughout this application that are capable of atleast partial rehabilitation. For example, any of the embodimentsrelating to FIGS. 1-3, or otherwise, may be provided with arehabilitation aspect.

[0035]FIG. 4 illustrates one exemplary embodiment where the characterattribute 342 comprises a shield that is capable of at least partialrehabilitation at the end of a game and/or game segment. A new card willhave a full shield indicated at shield position S₁. After ashield-damaging game event, the player can move down an appropriatenumber of shield positions (e.g. S₂-S₆) along arrows 348 depending onthe actual shield damage. For example, after the character 20 receivesfour sufficiently damaging blows, the player will move along the arrows348 from shield position S₁ to shield position S₅ while manipulating theconcealing surface 26 to reveal at least a portion of the hidden surface346 that displays the corresponding rehabilitation features 344. At theend of the game or game segment, the rehabilitation feature of the lastshield position will determine the extent of the character attributerehabilitation. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, if the game orgame segment ends at shield position S₅, the regeneration feature 344(i.e., “+2”) will direct the player to rehabilitate the shield characterattribute by two shield positions. Thus, the player will move twopositions along rehabilitation arrows 350 to position S₃. Any new gameor new game segment will thus begin at the S₃ shield position.

[0036] The concealing surface described in each of the embodiments ofthe present invention may be manipulated in a variety of ways. Forexample, as shown in FIGS. 1-4, the concealing surface may take the formof a scratch-off or rub-off portion. The concealing surface, forinstance, may be formed as a layer of a rubber/graphite mixture known inthe art that may be manipulated by rubbing or scratching.

[0037] Other concealing surfaces may also be used that conceal thehidden surface until manipulated by the player. A mechanical shutter orperforated window may be used to lift, fold or slide the concealingsurface to reveal the hidden surface underneath. In another example, alayer of material could reveal the hidden area in response to a chemicalreaction that might be triggered by a source of heat or light orapplication of water, liquid or other chemical. The chemical reactionmay cause the concealing surface to deteriorate to reveal the hiddensurface thereunder. In other embodiments, the concealing surface remainsin place but, after manipulation, becomes translucent or transparent toreveal the corresponding hidden surface. In still further embodiments,the concealing surface may be formed as part of the hidden surface suchthat manipulation of the concealing surface will reveal thecharacteristics of the hidden surface. In one particular example of thepresent invention, body heat transferred by touching the concealingsurface could provide adequate manipulation and/or frictional heatcaused by rubbing could generate sufficient heat to manipulate theconcealing surface to reveal the corresponding hidden surface. Forexample, the heat could cause the concealing surface to deteriorate orcould cause the concealing surface to become transparent or translucent.In still further embodiments, the concealing surface could change coloror otherwise change appearance in response to heat to reveal the hiddensurface.

[0038] In still further embodiments, the concealing surface can comprisea layer of photosensitive material or other light sensitive materialthat may be manipulated by exposure to certain types of light, therebyrevealing the hidden surface. For example, a number written in or on theconcealing surface with a fluorescent material could be manipulated byexposing the fluorescent material to a black light, using ultravioletlight or infrared radiation, to cause the otherwise invisiblefluorescent material to emit visible light to reveal the hidden surfacecharacteristics. In still further examples, the concealing surface couldcomprise a color embedded picture that may be read with a lens thatenhances selected colors to reveal the hidden characteristics.

[0039] In accordance with the present invention, role playing cards areprovided that have a concealing surface wherein some, or all, of thecharacteristics of a character are not immediately apparent. Once theplayer reveals the characteristics, the player may use the card with therevealed characteristics for a plurality of purposes. Such purposesinclude, but are not limited to, trading the cards with othercardholders, competing with other cardholders based on characterfeatures, and combining cards to increase the amount of characterfeatures associated with each characteristic. For example, exemplarycard games in accordance with the present invention may use multiplecards to augment the number of character features associated with one ormore characters. For instance, a first card may provide for multipleareas associated with a depiction of a character and attributes of thecharacter while a second card may provide the attribute features forassociating with the character attributes of the first card. Thus, aplayer may combine these cards to create one or more characters withcharacteristics more numerous than provided by a single card.

[0040] The foregoing description of the various embodiments of theinvention has been presented for the purposes of illustration anddescription. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theinvention to the precise form disclosed. Many alternatives,modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in theart of the above teaching. For example, cards in accordance with thepresent invention may be used by themselves, as a stand alone game, orin connection with a board game, a role-playing game or a battle gamewhere the characteristics of the cards provide a desirable variability.Accordingly, while some of the alternative embodiments of the card gameand methods of playing a card game have been discussed specifically,other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed bythose of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, this invention isintended to embrace all alternatives, modifications and variations thathave been discussed herein, and others that fall within the spirit andbroad scope of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A card game comprising: a) a card including aface with multiple areas identifying characteristics of a character; andb) a concealing surface hiding a surface of at least one of the multipleareas, wherein one of the characteristics can be assigned to thecharacter by manipulating a portion of the concealing surface.
 2. Thecard game of claim 1, wherein at least one of the multiple areascomprises multiple hidden surfaces.
 3. The card game of claim 1, whereinthe characteristics include a depiction of the character.
 4. The cardgame of claim 1, wherein the characteristics include an attribute of thecharacter.
 5. The card game of claim 4, wherein the characteristicsfurther include a feature of the attribute.
 6. The card game of claim 1,wherein the characteristics include a life force of the character. 7.The card game of claim 1, wherein the characteristics include arehabilitation feature.
 8. The card game of claim 1, wherein theconcealing surface can be manipulated by removing a portion of theconcealing surface.
 9. The card game of claim 1, wherein the concealingsurface can be manipulated by scratching off a portion of the concealingsurface.
 10. A method of playing a card game comprising the steps of: a)providing a card including: i) a face, ii) multiple areas on the face,and iii) a plurality of characteristics in association with at least oneof the multiple areas; and b) manipulating a portion of a concealingsurface to assign at least one of the characteristics to the character.11. The method of claim 10, wherein at least one of the multiple areascomprises multiple hidden surfaces.
 12. The method of claim 10, whereinthe characteristics include a depiction of the character.
 13. The methodof claim 10, wherein the characteristics include an attribute of thecharacter.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the characteristicsfurther include a feature of the attribute.
 15. The method of claim 10,wherein the characteristics include a life force of the character. 16.The method of claim 10, wherein the characteristics include arehabilitation feature.
 17. The method of claim 10, wherein the step ofmanipulating the concealing surface includes removing a portion of theconcealing surface.
 18. The method of claim 10, wherein the step ofmanipulating the concealing surface includes scratching off a portion ofthe concealing surface.